To improve sugarcane production and support farmers in the northern division, the Ministry of Sugar has provided assistance to 22 farmers in Labasa and 36 farmers in Seaqaqa through the New Farmers and Lease Renewal Program.
This initiative offers eligible farmers financial aid covering 30% of their lease renewal costs, up to a maximum of $7,500.
During the grant agreement handover ceremony, Charan Jeath Singh, Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and the Sugar Industry, highlighted the program’s goal to alleviate financial pressures on farmers and to motivate both new and established farmers to enhance sugarcane yields.
Singh noted that the sugar industry is crucial for the northern division and requires revitalization. He mentioned that government support through this program was initiated in response to concerns farmers expressed about the high costs associated with lease renewals.
Additionally, two farmers in Seaqaqa received support through the Farm Mechanization Grant, which included assistance for a cane planter and a fertilizer applicator.
The Ministry plans to extend similar assistance to sugarcane farmers in the western division in the future, with 177 farmers across the north and western divisions having received help through this program so far.
Mohammed Janab, a sugarcane farmer from Seaqaqa, expressed gratitude for the government’s support, emphasizing that the financial aid has significantly eased the burden on him and his family, as the government has covered $5,000 of his $15,000 lease renewal premium.